At the annual media launch event for the 29th Annual Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival held in the City of Port Colborne, The Young Automotive Professionals were awarded the special honour of being named “Sponsor of the Year - 2007”.

In a ceremony at the historic Roselawn Centre,  Mayor Vance Badawey and Festival Sponsorship Coordinator Sandy Pilot presented the award to partners John Grandilli and Claudio Sceppacerqua.

The Young Automotive Professionals have sponsored the Canal Days Car Show for the entire 15 years that it has been in operation as a sanctioned event of the city wide Marine Heritage Festival.  Billed as the largest single day car show in Ontario, the event attracted over 400 vehicles in  2006.

Assisting in the presentation was Terry Huffman, Chair of the Canal Days Car Show Committee.  This group of volunteers along with major sponsorship support from The Young Automotive Professionals operates a smooth and efficient show that is a delight for participants and spectators alike. 

In a short acceptance speech on behalf of The Young Automotive Professionals, Claudio Sceppacerqua thanked Mayor Badawey and the Port Colborne Economic Development and Tourism Corporation for the honour.  Speaking on behalf of his partner John Grandilli and all the Young Auto staff, Claudio stated that it was a pleasure to work with the volunteer committee to bring the annual car show to Lakeview Park as a major event in the city-wide festival.

The 2007 Canal Days Car Show will be held on Sunday, August 5th from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Many cars begin arriving at 7:00 a.m. to ensure entry into this prestigious event for car lovers. 

For more information about the Car Show visit:

• the City of Port Colborne’s Canal Days Festival web site
• the web site of the Canal Days Car Show Committee

From L to R: Terry Huffman and Sandra Kelba, Co-Chairs - Canal Days Car Show;
John Grandilli and Claudio Sceppacerqua of The Young Automotive Professionals.